Olympic Medalist Jenny Simpson Showing ‘Encouraging Improvement’ After Collapsing at Track Event
On Tuesday night, three-time Olympian Jenny Simpson suffered a medical emergency at an all-comers track meet in Raleigh, North Carolina. After pacing a mile group at the Sir Walter Pop Up Miles event, Simpson, 39, collapsed and had no pulse. Responders administered CPR and used an AED. Her pulse was restored, and she was then taken to the hospital.
Thursday morning, the running retailer Fleet Feet—where Simpson works as its chief running officer—shared an encouraging update on social media:
Tuesday night, Fleet Feet’s Chief Running Officer, Jenny Simpson, experienced a medical emergency while participating in the Sir Walter Running Pop Up Mile event in Raleigh, N.C.
She received immediate medical attention and was transported to a nearby hospital. Fleet Feet CEO Joey Pointer was also at the event, and stayed with Jenny at the hospital throughout the night as her family traveled to be with her early Wednesday morning.
While Jenny remains under medical care, she has shown encouraging improvement and continues to exhibit the strength and resilience that have long defined her. True to form, she has already asked about her mile time and whether she won.
The outpouring of support from across the running community has been extraordinary. We appreciate the compassion, encouragement and concern shown for Jenny and her family, and we are grateful to be part of a community that continues to rally around them.
Simpson retired from professional running in 2024 after a historic career. In the 1500 meters, her signature event, she won the 2011 world championship and earned a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. She dominated the U.S. circuit, claiming 11 USATF titles on the track and winning the Fifth Avenue Mile a record eight times.
Simpson was named chief running officer of Fleet Feet in February after spending the majority of 2025 visiting all 50 states with her husband, Jason, in their Winnebago.
Theo Kahler is the senior news editor at Runner’s World. He’s a former all-conference collegiate runner at Winthrop University, and he received his master’s degree in liberal arts studies from Wake Forest University, where he was a member of one of the top distance-running teams in the NCAA. Kahler has reported on the ground at major events such as the Paris Olympics, U.S. Olympic Trials, New York City Marathon, and Boston Marathon. He’s run 14:20 in the 5K, 1:05:37 in the half marathon, and finished 40th at the 2025 New York City Marathon. He enjoys spotting tracks from the sky on airplanes. (Look for colorful ovals around football fields.)
